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Baksheesh
Categories: Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Shopping Flowers & Gifts Home Decor, Flowers & Gifts [Edit]
423 1st St WSonoma, CA 95476
(707) 939-2847
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
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37 reviews for Baksheesh
Review Highlights
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"There are great Fair Trade chocolate bars and hot cocoa." In 16 reviews -
"Excellent products from "developing" countries." In 4 reviews -
"This past weekend was my second visit to this great store." In 3 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley G.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/15/2012
What an amazing store!! When I pooped in and spoke to the girl at the register she informed me that they buy everything from artisans in third world countries and pay them fair wages... What a concept right!
I recently found out that there are 27 million slaves in the world & I'm not okay with that and neither is this store and they are doing something about it!!
Please go out and support this cute store!! They have some amazing jewelry & accessories!! -
Review from Billy I.
Honolulu, HI
5/22/2012
AMAZING store. wanted to buy everything. made me want to live in sonoma!
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Review from Athena S.
5/23/2011
If you like Global exchange in SF, don't miss Baksheesh.
No middle men costs so gifts of beautiful papers, cards, scarves, bags, and home decor here are intentionally reasonable.
Some generic looking things if you've never seen a recycled tire bag before but others are a little funner. If you have a latent hippie chick inside of you that needs a little release with under priced accessories, this, my girlfriends and cross dressers alike, might appeal to you.
Headbands and headwraps here are $5-8. stock up ladies. -
Review from Rachel H.
El Cerrito, CA
1/10/2011
I like the idea of this store (disadvantaged folks in other countries making stuff and hopefully making money from it), but I really don't like the store very much. There isn't much in there I'd buy for myself, and maybe only a few things I'd give as gifts. There's a lot of the usual gimmick-y "Hey, look at this bag. OMG it's made from soda can pop tops." or "Hey, look at this cool bangle. OMG it's made of old copies of Cosmo!". There's also a lot of predictable ethnic looking jewelry made in other countries that the people in those actual other countries don't actually wear. There are a lot of really boring looking chino-clad rich ladies in there going, "Oooh this is so *different*. You know I'm into the funkier stuff."
I would really prefer it if the store had things that were made by impoverished people in other countries, and that those things were things that those impoverished people actually used in their day-to-day lives. That would be much more interesting.
The only thing in there that I would buy was the elephant dung stationary. It's made of elephant poo that has been dried and pressed into paper, which is cool and slightly humorous, and it comes in beautiful colors and features whimsical animal designs. -
Review from Carmen I.
Washington, DC
1/2/2012
A great mix of (only) Fair Trade jewelry, gifts, home decor, coffee, cocoa, stationery, and other items - the difficult part is trying to narrow down what to select! Recycled products, glass, silks, clothing... tons of cool stuff whether you're into Fair Trade or international products or not.
Even amidst the numerous boutiques on Sonoma Square - many filled with interesting, but often repetitious items - Baksheesh has distinctive items from around the world. The store may be a little sparse on backdrop, but I think that just makes more room for a range of products. Contrary to some reviews, I found the staff personable, helpful, and knowledgeable about the products and parts of the world from which the items came.
While I came as a visitor on a day trip from San Francisco, there are enough every-day items to meet the needs of locals, as well. A great find! -
Review from Stephen D.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2011
I always loved this place as a kid. Brian and Candi are wonderful people, and I can't think of how much this place influenced me when I was younger towards appreciating the cultural diversity of the world. everything about this place IS perfect--the atmosphere is a 5 star rating alone. I LOVE the sound of the Colombian/Cuban/Brazilian music playing, the brown walls with earthy tones--the colors match everything perfectly. I can't tell you how beautiful this store is unless you see it yourself.
but the actual goods are great too. the music is great, I have a cook book from there, and the coconut soap smells wonderful.
Best of all? The people who manufacture the goods in the developing world get to see alot of the profit returns, which is an absolute bonus. -
Review from Mel G.
10/16/2011
Ohhhh, I love this store. It may even be one of my favorites in the entire Greater Bay Area. I first visited here 5-6 years ago with one of my best friends, and was so impressed by the variety of goods offered. Also, it's arranged in a very aesthetically pleasing manner -- usually by color/size. The presentation leads to a very enjoyable experience -- and the owner was extremely nice. Definitely a must-stop if you're in downtown Sonoma.
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Review from Mildred A.
Bay Area
9/24/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Hands down my favorite store in the heart of downtown Sonoma.
Filled to the brim with unique stuff: jewelry, baskets, scarves, bags, knick knacks, even nativity sets! You can spend hours perusing all the shelves. everything is fair trade hailing from a bevy of countries such as Chile, Peru, Thailand, India, and many many more.
I spent the most time in the jewelry section. Soooo many cool things and at decent prices. I know where I'm coming for all my gifting needs. ;-)
At check out time, they ask if you'd like a carry bag or...wait for it...a piece of chocolate (fair trade of course). Say what?! Hmmm, let me think about it. Yeah, the answer is still CHOCOLATE. Any business that has this great foresight into the human psyche has my full support. -
Review from Meghan L.
Sonoma, CA
7/10/2009
I come here for the jewelry (its reasonable and super cute), the trivets (they're made of magazine pages and are really neat-o), and the scarves (they're made from alpaca fur or something and are so warm and soft).
Baksheesh is socially responsible shopping, too, since they're fair trade. I like how they offer you a chocolate if you don't use a bag for your purchase.
Great spot for an usual gift that won't tap the bank account. I stop here regularly before Christmas to stock up on presents for others (and maybe one or two for me.) -
Review from Madeleine F.
Hayward, CA
1/2/2011
I don't even know what to say about this store. I visited this shop on Dec 23rd and I would have to agree with the review that the items are wonderful. The staff is HORRIBLE - if I could give it less than a star I would.
I frequently visit Sonoma and other small towns up north and love spending my money on hand crafted artisan items but more importantly spend money in stores that are local.
The store was getting ready to close and we had about 15 minutes when we walked in to browse. I had mentally selected which items I would buy as gifts and was notified by the lady that they were closing in 2 minutes. I think it's utterly crazy that with the economy and the fact that it was holiday shopping season, someone would ask you to leave b/c they have to close now. UM OK there were about 15 people in this shop. That kind of "customer service" is unappealing. The rest of the stores in the Sonoma square closed around the same time, none of them asked us to leave even though it was closing time or beyond it. -
Review from Tanya P.
7/19/2009
Form, function and fair trade.
What? We've never written a review about this place we have visited so often and have purchased a lot of great gifts and housewares from? Handsome and thoughtful selection of fair trade goods from all around the world. Managers have fantastic eye. Give yourself extra time to browse and make sure to stop by throughout the year. Friendly staff. -
Review from Manish P.
San Jose, CA
8/8/2008
Great store. Unusual stuff.
Generally, such places have standard fare and items for sale. But this place has very unique gifts. I saw many unique items from India, which I've never seen in India.
Its a great place to do some guiltless shopping, as it helps people in other countries. -
Review from Jessica G.
Fairfield, CA
3/5/2010
My brother and I were street performers in front of this establishment once.
Well, not really, but we bought some sick instruments and played poor executed music outside.
I ALWAYS buy something super cool in here. I've gotten Guatamalan worry dolls, necklaces from Peru, and of course my drum.
I can't not buy something, it's wayyyy too awesome in here.
And it's unique, I get compliments on all the jewelry I buy.
Although it's hard to get around - hence the docking of one star.
The elders usually glare at me...I'm not sure why.
But seriously, visit this place.
I may even perform for you. -
Review from Sunny K.
Mountain House, CA
9/4/2009
We decided check out Sonoma area since we were out there for the Infineon Raceway. We've been to many wineries in Napa but we've never really gone to Sonoma area. Thanks to yelp, the most popular ones were in downtown area. I was so excited to check out Baksheesh - FAIR TRADE, HAND MADE & DECENT PRICE. I was crazy about their earrings but I decided to browse around. Soon I found cute dresses for little ones. Handmade baskets, scarfs, toys... you name it! They have everything handmade. So beautiful! Some are not cheap but I would say it's worth it. It was Sunday so we had to head home - work day Monday! My hubby promised me to come back here again & bought an earring for me. The coolest thing was that they offered chocolate if I don't take a bag. =) What a great idea!
I love this place. I wish I live here =)
By the way, the downtown was beautiful, especially the park in the middle which reminded me of east cost. -
Review from Cathy R.
8/10/2008 1 photo
Great fair trade retailer that sells items made by people in developing countries. Lots of jewelry, purses, rugs, etc. The back room contained interesting toys, nativity and Christmas items...one I remember was a wooden card that when opened contained a carved nativity scene.
I purchased a unique necklace of turquoise, green and navy disks made in the Philippines. I liked that you can choose a shopping bag or receive a small chocolate bar! Chocolate for me; necklace was wrapped in tissue and went down in my purse!
Kind of a small store. Although it's all on one level, someone in a wheelchair may find it difficult to squeeze through.Listed in: California Wine Country Tour
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Review from Cheryl L.
12/8/2008
This is a wonderful place to buy interesting, fair trade gifts - from art to glassware, jewelry, baby gifts, etc.I love that you get the story behind so many of the pieces here and are directly supporting artisans around the world. By shopping here, you are helping ensure they get safe working conditions and fair wages for their beautiful work. The shop is surprisingly reasonable and it sure feels better than buying yet another gift from a Macy's or Crate and Barrel registry and it will certainly be a more unique, memorable gift for the recipient.
I found a beautiful handmade scarf from Nepal for a friend and treated myself to the best book ever, "The Better World Shopping Guide." This is my favorite book ever - it shows you exactly what brands you should and shouldn't be supporting in your everyday purchases - from crackers to cosmetics, pizzas to pickles, airlines to banks. Thanks to Baksheesh and the wonderful book I found there, my consumer spending will never be the same. -
Review from Olma M.
Burlingame, CA
9/19/2006
12062007 Update:
- FABULOUS ornaments in stock! Other great purchases made today include: Cylinder basket made in Bangladesh ($7!); Textile hanger ($18). They also have a wonderful selection of jewelry and children's toys and books. I WILL drive to Sonoma just to visit this store alone. Three rooms of fun shopping!
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Great store with handcrafted gifts from the "developing world." They're a fair trade retailer and their prices are incredibly affordable.
You'll definitely find unique gift items here. There's something about the political correctness of being a fair trade establishment that makes it quite easy to shop here - even if you know you really don't 'need' anything...Listed in: Retail Therapy, Sonoma Plaza Shopping
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Review from Kelly M.
Mountain View, CA
3/2/2009
Fabulous!! I literally wanted to buy EVERYTHING!!
When you walk into the store directly to your right will be a section of hand-made stationary. This isn't your everyday, boring, average kind of stationary, this stationary is made from elephant dung...yep you heard me - elephant dung. They're called "Ellie Pooh". It's incredible, each card has a unique design. My friend bought one and instead of giving it to someone she's going to keep it for herself and frame it. That's how awesome they are.
The jewelry section is phenomenal. Earrings, cuff bracelets, necklaces and rings. They have it all. The prices vary between $3 to $30.
My favorite part was when I bought my earrings the girl at the register asked me if I would like a bag or a chocolate! How great, right? Of course I went for the chocolate...screw the bag!
I was really looking forward to checking this place out and I'm so glad I did. Now every time I'm in dwntwn Sonoma, I'll have to swing by. -
Review from May N.
4/20/2011
Nice store that sells all sorts of fair trade wares made in developing countries. The entrance room contained accessories such as colorful scarves, necklaces, rings, cuff bracelets, and hats. The next room had books and wall hangings, and decorative house wares. The last room had lots of children's toys, decorative dolls and miniature figures, and cold weather clothing. The owner wandered about, very warm and friendly and answering questions. Good source for gifts. I definitely could have spent many hours just sorting through all the jewelry.
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Review from Inigo M.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2006
Excellent products from "developing" countries. Some quirky stuff, but why they don't have the Man with Barrel?
Some items were pricey, but they have a great selection.
Kinda small space so you might touch cheeks with other browsers.
They support fair trade.
Generally friendly staff. -
Review from Lisa L.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2008
It's Spring Fashion Season!
This is the store to go for inexpensive, unique colorful jewelry from developing countries. This past weekend was my second visit to this great store. I got a pair of cute glass earrings from Chile and a funky chunky necklace from India. The earrings were $6 and the necklace was $18. FABULOUS prices!!! I just bought a necklace from Lucky Jeans for $40 a couple days ago, and feeling a good deal of buyers remorse right now. Oh Oh Oh, I got a small piece of organic dark chocolate at the register. It was awesome. -
Review from Janette W.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2010
What better way to spend your day that wine tasting followed up by a spree of impulse jewelery purchases! This place is a great way to end the day (of course after a glass of something bubbly to end the day first) All of the items are fair trade and really look like one of a kind finds you just won't see everyone else wearing. Plus the prices are very reasonable! They also have clothes, crafts and other items for sale as well.
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Review from Lia H.
Huntington Beach, CA
10/23/2007
Every time I visit Sonoma (at least once a year), I have to go to this gem of a shop. Perfect place for getting small and inspired gifts for any occasion. Purses, scarves, jewelery, cards, toys, pottery, knicknacks... the list goes on. So much love for Baksheesh!
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Review from Shelly V.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/12/2011
This store has reignited my love with shopping. Seriously. It reminds me of vacationing as a kid and wandering around new shops for hours in awe of all the treasures. But what's great is that this store is full of almost entirely useful items that are beautiful, interesting and quite affordable. I cannot wait to go back here on my next trip to Sonoma.
Oh, and I read a review about how the staff is horrible. In my experience the staff person was polite, not friendly, but definitely not horrible. I sometimes enjoy shopping without having someone chat me up or even offer to help. If I have a question, I'll ask, I'm not shy. -
Review from jill j.
Mill Valley, CA
10/27/2008
Great little gift store on the Sonoma square. Products are handmade and free-trade and surprisingly well-priced. I came away with a handful of Christmas ornaments and a pile of earrings and some beautiful handmade greeting cards.
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Review from Gwendolyn M.
Wake, NC
10/10/2010
Well priced and well worth your time! There is lots to see, so go through all of the rooms slowly. I got a neat headband/scarf here and of course opted for the chocolate instead of the bag.
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Review from Anna A.
Napa, CA
9/14/2009
Baksheesh is a great place for finding exotic gifts from around the world. There are Nativity scenes from places as diverse as Peru, the Middle East, and the Philippines. If you bring your own bag or decide to carry your product out on your own,you get FREE CHOCOLATE. There are great Fair Trade chocolate bars and hot cocoa. It's also a great place to get world music. It's a small world after all!
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Review from Ayelet B.
Danville, CA
8/9/2010
If you want to make a difference in the world, check this out. They guarantee fair trade with artisans in the developing world and the US. I saw many items, which I saw when I was in Kenya, there at reasonable prices.
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Review from Laila P.
2/20/2010
This is an extraordinary place to get unique handmade gifts and crafts. As a local, I don't do much touristy shopping but Baksheesh is actually one of the places I'll venture out to get gifts locally. My mom and sister-in-law have loved every gift I've ever given from their stock. They have incredible bowls handwoven from magazines, ornaments made out of aluminum cans - just really interesting and functional pieces. There is some really cool shit in here. Definitely worth stopping in if you have some time to browse.
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Review from Caitlin H.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2006
Cool shop! I was pleasantly surprised by the prices and felt doubly good for helping out all those third world artisans with the fair trade bit. The place has a wall full of awesome and unusual jewelry, plus a lot of decorative items for the home. Lots of clever little things - and where else can you get elephant dung paper? The shop itself is in a historic Monterey Colonial style adobe on Sonoma's main square. Great place.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from jun h.
Irvine, CA
4/7/2008
It's an adorable shop in a row of boutiques. The items featured in here are mainly those from third-world countries and you can find a lot of unique accessories and jewelry from all over the world. A great place to go gift shopping. And if you opt out of a shopping bag, they reward you with a piece of chocolate.
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Review from Heather D.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
There's always something great in this store that I must buy! Just recently bought some earrings that I wear almost every day now.
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Review from nikko m.
Redwood City, CA
2/13/2008
Ordinary, every day store:
Paper or Plastic?
Baksheesh:
Bag or fair trade, organic chocolate?
Need I say more? Chocolate, please!!! -
Review from Ashley G.
Sonoma, CA
6/13/2011
Love the staff, love the store! There are always lovely gifts in here suitable for anyone!
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Review from Huong L.
San Jose, CA
7/6/2010
This place has some interesting things... good for small gifts and decor. Lots of items caught my eye but I couldn't settle on what to buy. I'll be visiting Baksheesh again on our next visit to Sonoma.
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Review from Shannon C.
Alameda, CA
1/1/2010
I've found some really unusual and lovely things here, especially in the jewelry section. I often find myself wishing I had a kid, just so I could dress it in the adorable money hats and mittens they have in the back. Good prices for fair trade, too. My only complaint is that there's a salesperson here who is always sullen and unhelpful. The two older women who work there are great, fortunately.
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Review from T C.
San Diego, CA
3/21/2010
I love it. Beautiful stuff and who wouldn't like fair trade. The prices are pretty good for being handmade. Things for the home and accessories as well as books.
